The Lagos State Government on Sunday said that it was ready to collaborate with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), being a critical stakeholder in the development of the state.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, made the assertion at the 2020 Maiden Edition of REDAN Award in Lagos.
The event was organised by Lagos State Chapter of REDAN.
Salako said: “We are here to show our love and to collaborate with you on this award night.
“We sincerely believe in what you are doing in Lagos State and we appreciate all efforts put in making Lagos a 21st century economy that is open to investment.
“We will continue to identify with you because we know that you are a very critical stakeholder in the development of Lagos State.
“Housing construction is seen as a very critical factor in any economy and we really appreciate you”.
Salako, however, appealed to the developers to always do things the right way by voluntarily complying to the housing plans of the state.
According to him, doing so will make the work of the developers easier.
Also, the Commissioner for Housing, Lagos State, Mr Moruf Fatai, said the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration was commited to doing business with the private sectors.
“We are here today as Lagos State Government to prove to you that the state is ready to do business with you, the private sectors.
“Since the inception of this government, we have shown a lot of commitment in having a good and solid relationship with the private sector.
“So, we are open to business, you can approach us with your ideas and whatever area you think will progress your business, and Lagos State bring it forward,” Fatai said.
The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr Bode Agoro, said the bureau needed to work with the developers as it planned to change its system of operations by going electronic.
“We, in Lands Bureau, want to change the system! We want to regularise the system by changing the ways that we are doing things.
“We are going electronically, so we need to bring in the private sector, which is why we are here to identify with REDAN because they are going to help us to propagate the message that we want to put out”, he said.
Earlier, the Lagos Chairman of REDAN, Mr Bamidele Onalaja, thanked the governor for supporting and partnering with the real estate sector in the state.
“Together we shall continue to strive, work harder, and working closely with the government, we shall drastically reduce the housing deficit “, he said.
He urged the awardees to do more in delivering good and habitable homes for citizens in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
NAN reports that Mrs Toke Awoyinka, Special Adviser Housing, Lagos State, among others, also spoke at the event.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to Sanwo-Olu and over 33 housing experts who, in diverse ways, contributed to the growth and development of housing and real estate in the state. (NAN)
